* Experts explore ethical, spiritual implications of AI for Muslim communities at year-ending event in Lekki
The intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Islam took centre stage on Sunday, December 7, as the Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU) held its fourth quarterly Da’wah Workshop for 2025.
The event, which took place at the Vice Admiral Jubrila Ayinla Multipurpose Hall, wrapped up LEMU’s series of educational workshops for the year.
Muslim News gathered that the workshop with the theme “Islam, Muslims and Artificial Intelligence,” examined the opportunities, ethical concerns, and religious perspectives surrounding the growing influence of AI in Muslim societies.
Chaired by Imam Nojeem Jimoh, Chief Imam of Lighthouse Mosque, Lekki, and National Amir of The Companion, the event drew Muslim scholars, professionals, technologists, and community leaders and students of higher institutions of learning from across Lagos State.
Speaking at the programme, Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Prof. Musa Aibinu, described AI as a product of human creativity, supported by Islam when used for good causes.
Represented by a Software Engineer, Sodiq Akanmu, Prof Aibinu said Artificial Intelligence offers vast benefits for Islam and the Muslim community.
Speaking on the topic, “Prospects and Problems of Artificial Intelligence,” the don encouraged Muslims to participate actively in scientific and technological development for the benefit of their communities and the wider world.
The professor, a Mechatronics and AI expert, noted that modern technology is permissible in Islam, provided it does not cause harm and is used in a responsible and ethical manner.
Outlines AI benefits in transport, agriculture, others
Highlighting the prospects of AI in Islam, Prof. Aibinu said it can support religious practices through innovations such as automated tajweed correction tools, smart qiblah locators, accurate prayer time calculators, and digital Quran memorisation assistants.
He added that automated financial analysis tools could significantly enhance Islamic finance by improving halal investment screening processes.
“Muslims can also utilise AI-powered chat systems to verify information about Islam and gain access to vast digital libraries of Islamic texts,” he noted.
The VC also listed other prospects of AI in modern transportation through smart traffic management systems and safer self-driving vehicles; efficient agriculture through smart irrigation systems and improved crop monitoring.
“Other prospects include improved healthcare through faster and more accurate medical diagnosis and early detection of diseases; and enhanced government and public services,” he noted.
Warns of AI risks, calls for ethical use aligned with Islamic principles
Prof. Musa Aibinu, however, issued a cautionary note on the challenges posed by AI, raising concerns such as job losses, the spread of false information, privacy breaches, data misuse, and overreliance on technology.
Speaking on the responsible use of AI, Prof. Aibinu emphasized the importance of balancing technological advancements with spiritual obligations within the Muslim community.
He urged Muslims to harness AI in ways that reinforce their faith rather than undermine it. “Do not use Artificial Intelligence to create misleading or fake messages. We should also respect Islamic rules on protecting the dignity and privacy of individuals. Humans must stay in control of important decisions.
“AI should assist, not replace human judgement. Importantly, Muslims must not allow technology to distract them from prayer, worship, and moral duties,” he stated.
VON Director cautions Muslims on privacy, misinformation
In his presentation, Ustadh Hussain Hyacinth, a Director at the Voice of Nigeria in Lagos State, drew the attention of the participants to how Artificial Intelligence is fuelling information disorder in society, urging Muslims to always verify claims they encounter online.
Speaking on the topic, ‘Potential Impacts of Artificial Intelligence on Islam and Muslims’, he also raised concerns about privacy breaches, stressing that many people are unaware of how much of their personal data is already exposed.
“A few powerful big tech companies have access to your data. You supply vital information about your behavior, location, photos, messages and clicks. This is data colonialism. They benefit the most, making money from targeted advertising, surveillance, and digital control,” he said.
“For Muslims, have we ever imagined sensitive information and sources of legislation of Islam being in the possession and control of enemies of Islam?” he queried.
Exposes threat of data colonialism
Speaking on data colonialism, Bin Hyacinth, a senior broadcast journalist at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), revealed that human beings are increasingly treated as mere instruments for generating and disseminating data, while having no control over its storage.
He noted that “whoever controls the storage can manipulate the data,” highlighting the growing risks associated with data exploitation.
The media scholar explained that data colonialism involves the trafficking of sensitive and private information without individuals’ consent, often for commercial, security, or other purposes.
Bin Hyacinth further revealed that big tech companies are deeply involved in this practice. “Before, people made their money in real estate and agriculture, but now, billions of dollars are made through trafficking information,” he noted.
Smartphones ruining lives through misinformation: Imam Lekki
Speaking earlier at the event, the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr Ridwan Jamiu, disclosed that smartphones have ruined individuals and communities through the spread of misinformation and social media misuse.
Delivering a lecture on the topic, Smartphones: Between Goodness and Villainy, Dr Jamiu noted that while phones are powerful tools that can be used for good, they can also be misused with devastating consequences.
According to him, “Virtually everyone uses a smartphone. Some for good, others for harmful purposes. Unfortunately, smartphones have ruined individuals and even entire communities through the spread of false information. They have been used to incite communal clashes and trigger civil unrest in various places.”
He emphasised the need for Muslims to understand the Islamic ethics of phone and social media usage to prevent harm. “We must ensure the phone is not turned into a tool of destruction instead of being a tool for reformation and development,” he said.
Dr Jamiu cautioned against spending excessive time on social media, saying, “Social media is a place to visit, not a place to stay. The longer you stay, the more adverse the effects are.”
Imam Nojeem applauds LEMU for timely AI Workshop
In his closing remarks, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, commended LEMU for organising a timely and impactful workshop.
He praised the facilitators for their clear and simplified presentations, noting that such knowledge-sharing efforts are vital in helping Muslims navigate emerging technologies.
The National Amir of The Companion acknowledged that while AI comes with harmful effects such as misinformation, privacy breaches, and overreliance, it also holds great potential to benefit humanity, including Muslims.
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